All-purpose dental retainer



March 26, '1957 D. REITER ALL-PURPOSE DENTAL RETAINER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 2, 1955 INVENTOR f` @4W/' iK/fflz ,ff/faim?" March 26; 1957 D. REITER ALL-PURPOSE DENTAL RETAINER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 2, 1955 A INVENToR. DHV/D .235775K United States Patent O ALL-PURPOSE DENTAL RETAINER David Reiter, Woodside, N. Y.

Application June 2, 1955, Serial No. 512,663

9 Claims. (Cl. 32--63) The present invention is directed to dental appliances, more particularly to a retainer for dental bands used in the filling of teeth.

Various appliances for this purpose have been made and applicant has obtained a number of patents on the subject. For instance, Patent No. 2,572,198, dated October 23, 1951, describes and claims such a device which has been found practical in use. In my Patent No. 2,617,196, dated November l1, 1952, an improved form of the device is described and claimed which is substantially more convenient to use than that of the earlier patent. In my Patent No. 2,686,920, there is set forth a still further improvement in the device which has been found eminently satisfactory in practical use. It has the special advantage that the device enables the dental band to fit securely over the tooth without hampering the movements of the dentist or causing undue discomfort in the patient. However, still further improvement in the device is possible and the present invention seeks to further improve the same.

A still further improvement is set forth in my Patent No. 2,709,302, the retainer being simplified in construction and more effective in operation. It embodies a latching device for holding the matrix band firmly in position on the tooth.

In order to still further improve retainers of the type described, it is among the objects of the present invention to provide a structure which will prevent the grip plate from raising up as the free ends of the band are forced against it while the band is folded over, thus holding the band firmly in position.

It is also among the objects of the invention to provide a locking arrangement for said grip plate which can readily and quickly be unlatched for removal of the matrix.

It is further among the objects of the invention to so mount said grip plate as to insure that the longitudinal movements thereof will be smooth and prevent side motion thereof.

The invention is directed to the type of device shown and described in the aforesaid patents and in particular, to Patent No. 2,709,302. In place of the latching arrangement shown in said patent for the grip plate, the longitudinal slot of said plate forms one of the elements of the latch. At the end of said slot is an enlargement forming a key-hole shaped slot. A pin attached to the base extends into said slot and when said pin is in the enlargement, the grip plate is locked in position relative to the base by the spring action of said plate. To release the latch the operator merely has to depress the finger rpiece of the grip plate and push it downwardly.

In order to avoid side movement of the grip plate, means are provided to hold it in relation to the holder plate. This is accomplished by providing guiding means on the holder plate which contacts the grip plate and guides it in its longitudinal movements, vlSpecifically the I Mice means includes a pair of tongues on the holder plate which embrace the sides of the grip plate.

The invention is more fully described in connection with the accompanying drawings constituting a part hereof and in which like reference characters indicate like parts, and in which- Fig. l is a perspective view of my retainer showing the present improvements;

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view thereof taken along line 2-2 of Fig. l, showing a matrix band inserted into the retainer;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing the matrix band in operative position with the grip plate locked to prevent slipping;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the locking device;

Fig. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 2, showing the grip plate in unlocked position;

Fig. 6 is a View similar to Fig. 5, showing the grip plate in locked position;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective View of the pin as it is mounted on the base;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing a modified form of locking arrangement for the grip plate;

Fig. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the modification of Fig. 8, some parts being omitted and some parts being shown in elevation for clearness;

Fig. l0 is a view similar to Fig. 9, showing the elements of the locking arrangement in the locking position, and

Fig. 1l is a fragmentary perspective view of the mounting of the pin on the base, showing the spring arrangement and its association with the pin and base.

The retainer consists essentially of a base 1 in the form of a fiat, elongated plate having a longitudinal slot 2 therein. Bracket 3, at the upper end of base 1 at an angle to the axis of said base, is held by rivet 4 to enable said bracket to swivel about the rivet. A carriage 5 is held with respect to base 1 by a bolt 6 passing through slot 2 and threaded into the carriage. Head 7 holds the several elements together. The lower portion 8 of the carriage is threaded and coacts with threads 9 of thumb nut 10 which has a collar at the upper end so that the neck is rotatably held in an opening in the angular lower end 11 of base 1.

An opening 12 in holder plate 13 has bolt 6 passing through, providing a pivot for said holder 13, allowing it to swivel. Holder 13 has a transverse slot 14 through which a matrix band may be threaded. Stop 15 on holder plate 13 is intended to limit the movement of said plate. Loop 16 having a transverse slot narrower than slot 14 is pivoted at 17 on swivel head 18, which in turn is pivoted on rivet 19 to bracket 3 to allow limited oscillatory movement thereof. Extension or tongue 26 on head 18 permits loop 16 to fit thereon, whereby narrow matrix bands may be held therein without shifting.

Overlying holder plate 13 is a grip plate 21 which has a longitudinal slot 22 through which bolt 6 passes, and which is in alinement with slot 2. Head 23 of pin 24 overlies grip plate 21. The pin is cylindrical having recesses 25 in the sides thereof so that the sides of slot 22 fit into said recesses. The pin is fixed onto base l as shown at 26. The lower end 27 of slot 22 is enlarged to a diameter such that the cylindrical portion 24 will fit therein. Grip plate 21 is made of springy metal and the lower end thereof is bent outwardly terminating in a finger piece 29.

In order to prevent grip plate 21 from being accidentally displaced, the sides of holder plate 13 are provided with oppositely placed tongues 30 and 31. They are 3, bent over as shown in Fig. l to cover plate 21 and provide a guide so that said plate may move smoothly up and down. The tongues provide constant pressure on the holder plate so that the folded lfree ends of the band cannot slip.

In the operation ofV they retainer, a strip of a matrix band 32 is folded to form a loop, the contacting ends yof which are threaded through head 18 and slot 14 as fshown in Fig. 2, with the extreme ends 33 thereof in the position shown. Loop 16 is in operative position to hold Aa narrow band 32. The cylindrical part 24 of the pin '23 is in opening 127 as shown in cross-section in Fig. 6. The springiness of the metal of grip plate 21 biases plate 21 to the right, providing a latch to hold said plate in fixed position relative to base 1.

Then thumb nut is rotated to the right, retracting holder plate 13, causing it to move downwardly between base 1 and grip plate 21. End 34 thereof passes over slot 14, causing ends 33 of band 22 to become doubled up and held against slipping by the pressure of tongues 36 and 31. Upon further rotation of nut 10, loop 32 is pulled in and, since it embraces a tooth, it will tighten and contact the tooth firmly even though the shape of the tooth is irregular. The band cannot slip and the tooth may now be filled.

After this has been accomplished, finger piece 29 is pressed downwardly and is pulled back simultaneously as far as it will go as seen in Fig. 3. As a result, grip plate 21 is pulled down removing end 34 from slot 14 and freeing band en ds 33. Thumb nut 10 is then rotated a fewturns further to the right, straightening ends 33. Then the instrument is pulled with a rocking motion to remove vit from the loop 32 which is still on the tooth. The ends of the band may be grasped by the fingers and then pulled raway from the filled tooth without damage to the filling even if it is not set.

The modified form of the invention shown in Figs. 8-11, the structure and the operation of the retainer is substantially the saine as that shown in Figs. l-7. Instead of making grip plate 21 springy it is made relatively stiff and rigid, and flat throughout its length. The pin has the cylindrical portion 24, recesses 25 and head 23. A spring 35 is welded at one end 36 onto base 1. The other end 37 is inserted into a notch in cylinder 24. The tension of spring 35 tends to bias the pin to the right.

There are numerous advantages inherent in the present invention, as for example, the universal movement of the head insures that there will be no pinching or injury to the gum tissue. There is compensation fory differences in the circumferences `of the upper and lower part of a tooth and for other irregularities therein. Because of the various elements and the locking arrangements, there is no danger of the band slipping during use. It is a simple matter to release the retainer from the band and slide the band out bucally or lingually, thus protecting the contact points of the fillings from breaking since the band itself is not mutilated. Only ordinary dental bands are used and no special bands or wedges are necessary. There are no screw or clamp locks which are bulky and interfere with operations.

For anterior teeth the best results are obtained by placing a lubricated band around the tooth first. The filling material is inserted and overpacked. Then the free ends are pressed together and held with the left hand and the retainer passed over them. Continue toposition the strip with a firm control of the left hand as the nut` is turned and the retainer is locked. If the strip is brought underneath the free marginof gum no finishing will be necessary after the filling is set. The oscillating plate renders automatic adaptationV and givesrenough tension to counteract contraction and expansion of any filling material, thus making the densestfilling possible with the maximum seal and strength.

For best results, theretaingl' liS IIlQllBdgfrQm the inside.

When the lingual wall is broken down, then it is mounted bucally.

The holding of the folded band between the grip plate and holder plate has the advantage that the band is not mutilated as would be the case if teeth in slot 14 were relied upon to hold the band. Thereby bands may be firmly tightened on the teeth. The release of the band after the filling is made, is simple and rapid. This positive action is due to the tongues vconfining thegrip plate and causing it to maintain the proper pressure on the folded band ends so that the band does not slip when tension is brought upon it when tightening it around a tooth.

I claim:

1. In a retainer for dental matrix comprising a base, a carriage mounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, al holder plate having a transverse slot therein for holding a dental band and pivoted on said carriage, a grip plate mounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, said grip plate being adjacent to said holder plate, and a head for confining the closed end of a folded dental band, the improvement which includes a longitudinal slot in said grip plate, an enlargement in said grip plate slot, a pin on said base and extending into said grip plate slot, said pin having a portion adapted to fit in said grip plate slot and a portion adapted to fit in said enlargement.

2. In a retainer for dental matrix comprising a base, a carriage ymounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, a holder plate having a transverse slot therein for holding a dental band and pivoted on said carriage, a grip plate mounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, said grip plate being adjacent to said holder plate, and a head for confining the closed end of a folded dental band, the improvement which includes a longitudinal slot in said grip plate, an enlargement in said grip plate slot, a pin on said base and extending into said grip plate slot, said pinhaving a portion adapted to fit in said grip plate slot and a portion adapted to fit in said enlargement, said pin and said enlargement having a circular periphery.

3. in a retainer for dental matrix comprising a base, a carriage mounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, a holder plate having a transverse slot therein for holding a dental band andpivoted on said carriage, a grip plate mounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, said grip plate being adjacent to said holder plate, and a head for confining the closed end of a folded dental band, the improvement which includes a longitudinal s lot in said grip plate, an enlargement in said grip plate slot, a pin on said base and extending into said grip plate slot, said pin having a portion adapted to fit in said grip plate slot and a portion adapted to t in said enlargement, and spring means associated with said grip plate adapted to bias said grip plate outwardly.

4. In a retainer for dental matrix comprising a base, a carriage mounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, a holder plate having a transverse slot therein for holding a dental band and pivoted on said carriage, a grip plate mounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, said grip plate being adjacent to said holder plate, and a head for confining the closed end of a folded dental band, the improvement which includes a longitudinal slot in said grip plate, an enlargement in said grip plate slot, a pin on said base and extending into said grip plate slot, said pin having a portion adapted to fit in said grip plate slot. and a portion adapted to fit in said enlargement, and spring means associated with said grip plate adapted to bias s aid grip plate outwardly, said means being the springiness of Vthe metal of said grip plate.

5. ln a retainer for dental matrix comprising a base, a carriage mounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, `a holder plate having a transverse slot therein for holding a dental band and rpivoted on said carriage, a grip plate mounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, said grip plate being adjacent to said holder plate, and a head for confining the closed end of a folded dental band, the improvement which includes a longitudinal slot in said grip plate, an enlargement in said grip plate slot, a pin on said base land extending into said grip plate slot, said pin having a portion adapted to lit in said grip plate slot and a portion adapted to fit in said enlargement, and spring means associated with said grip plate adapted to bias said grip plate outwardly, said means being a spring interposed between said grip plate and said base.

6. In a retainer for dental matrix comprising a base, a carriage mounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, a holder plate having a transverse slot therein for holding a dental band and pivoted on said carriage, a grip plate mounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, said grip plate being adjacent to said holder plate, and a head for confining the closed end of a folded dental band, the improvement which includes a longitudinal slot in said grip plate, `an enlargement in said grip plate slot, a pin on said base and extending into said grip plate slot, said pin having a portion adapted to tit in said grip plate slot and a portion adapted to t in said enlargement, said pin having a pair of parallel recesses in the side thereof into which the walls of said grip plate slot are adapted to tit.

7. In a retainer for dental matrix comprising a base, a carriage mounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, a holder plate having a transverse slot therein for holding a dental band and pivoted on said carriage, a grip plate mounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, said grip plate being adjacent to said holder plate, and a head for confining the closed end of a folded dental band, the improvement which includes means on said holder plate for guiding said grip plate in its longitudinal movement.

8. In a retainer for dental matrix comprising a base, a carriage mounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, a holder plate having a transverse slot therein for holding a dental band and pivoted on said carriage, a grip plate mounted on said base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, said grip plate being adjacent to said holder plate, and a head for confining the closed end of a folded dental band, the improvement which in cludes means on said holder plate for guiding said grip plate in its longitudinal movement, said means being a pair of tongues on said holder plate embracing said grip plate.

9. In a retainer for dental matrix having means for holding a loop of said matrix, a grip plate adapted to press upon the ends of said matrix to prevent slippage thereof, and means for tightening said loop without releasing the pressure of said grip plate, and means for locking said grip plate in said position, and means for depressing said linger piece to retract said grip plate and release the bent ends of said matrix.

References Cited in the ile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 911,307 Ivory Feb. 2, 1909 

